What Socrates said about democracy?

Plato’s Republic presents a critical view of democracy through the narration of Socrates: “foolish leaders of Democracy, which is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequaled alike.” In his work, Plato lists 5 forms of government from best to …

Why did Socrates not believe in democracy?

Their differing views on truth directly influenced their answers to the question, “Who should have the political power?” Socrates’ answer was that only those with the knowledge of absolute truth should rule. Socrates’ answer meant a refutation of democracy since, to him, ‘demo’ meant the stupidity of the crowd.

Was Athens a democracy during Socrates?

Socrates often criticized Athenian democracy. He especially criticized it for the selfish individuals who gained power and wealth by using speech-making tricks and flattery to gain the support of citizens. Much of his criticism took place during the 27-year Peloponnesian War between Athens and its great rival, Sparta.

Why was Socrates bad for Athens?

Another cause of upset for the Athenians concerning Socrates was that his young followers were imitating his style of rhetoric and annoying their elders by attempting to prove them wrong. For this, Socrates was perhaps unfairly charged for corrupting the minds of the young.

How was Athenian democracy different from today’s American democracy?

In Athenian direct democracy all citizens voted and in an American representative democracy citizens vote for representatives to vote for them. All citizens voted in an ancient Athenian democracy and in a modern American democracy citizens vote for representatives to vote for them.

What can you say about Socrates approach to philosophy?

Developed by the Greek philosopher, Socrates, the Socratic Method is a dialogue between teacher and students, instigated by the continual probing questions of the teacher, in a concerted effort to explore the underlying beliefs that shape the students views and opinions.

What does Socrates say about democracy?

First and foremost, let us not forget that Socrates acknowledges that democracies are all about freedom. In that regard, democracies are not at all problematic. Positions of power are accessible to all (and this is not an ‘ideal’ case, for Socrates it is clearly so).

Why was Socrates’ defense speech so controversial?

In any event, because Socrates openly displayed his antidemocratic ideas in his defense speech, it would have been difficult for jurors to set aside his association with opponents of the democracy, even if they had been inclined to do so. Athenian democracy must have seemed extremely fragile in 399.

Why was Socrates prosecuted in 399 BC?

The perceived fragility of Athenian democracy. The year in which Socrates was prosecuted, 399, was one in which several other prominent figures were brought to trial in Athens on the charge of impiety.

Was Socrates really being prosecuted for antidemocratic ideas?

There is no reason to suspect that this charge was a mere pretext and that what Socrates was really being prosecuted for was his antidemocratic associations and ideas. The political background of his trial is important because it helps to explain why he was not prosecuted in the 430s or 420s or at any other time of his life.